When I qualified in 1988, much of gynaecological practice involved prescription pills, or surgical procedures. Well-meaning treatments were usually accepted by “well-informed” patients. I then had a career break. When I returned in 2013, the clinical landscape looked different. I now realised the limitations of my wise words. I now understood much better that what’s going on in my patients’ minds (their unshared, invisible symptoms) and whatever else they have to deal with (hardships, trauma, poor diet and lack of sleep) often shape their well-being far more than my treatments. A change of tack seemed necessary. I joined the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine and concentrated on better listening and reflection. I studied aspects of Nutrition and Nutrigenomics which I believe to be relevant in the management of complex conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and menopausal transition. I am now completing a book for patients living with PCOS which combines self-care and health-care believing that when the two intersect, benefits are amplified and women’s health improves along with the health of their family and social community.

I currently work as a locum consultant gynaecologist at The West Suffolk hospital, and as a speciality doctor in a community Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health clinic (ICASH) in Cambridge. My specialist interests are post-reproductive care, vulval skin disorders, complex contraceptive needs and psychosexual medicine.

In my presentation, “Life-style factors and management of the menopause” I will be sharing information which I hope will enable all women to live better and more healthily.